Revision IWC Ingenieur 666

Share:

radiodays Wrote:Thank you again, Oneredtrim. Got it, the case works with the dial so no polishing recommended.

Is it necessary to instruct IWC with regard to the movement, e.g. that they do not replace certain parts? I was told by a watchmaker who opened the case that the movement is fully original.

The movement becomes no less of an IWC movement, if the IWC watchmakers replace any parts in the movement, during a service. This, as IWC still maintain original parts for this movement on stock and will draw from those original IWC parts.

The watch on the other hand, becomes so much more "valuable" when it's movement is fully serviced and restored - back to condition as it was when it originally left the factory. The Cal. 85 is one of the best volume manufactured automatic movements ever to have come out of Switzerland. And with the Pellaton winding system, still unique - so you should benefit from owning a watch with this movement in it.

I would do a full service on the movement. Agree with the consensus here, that the dial and hands should not be replaced. (I personally however - WOULD have IWC do up the case - as it will still be the ORIGINAL CASE, and become so much more wearable. But then again, that's' just my opinion)

Thank you again, Oneredtrim. Got it, the case works with the dial so no polishing recommended

A case will develop it's own colour and patina over time..re-profiled cases with patina'd dials have a look of modern veneered dashboards in classic '60's cars (a bit sad). You've swam the channel in managing to procure a somewhat rare/desirable piece in straight-up condition...no need to over cook the pudding.

I appreciate your comments, thanks Mark! I once heard or rather read in a forum that some parts may be replaced by parts of lesser quality. That's why I posted this last question. However, as I do not have a lot of experience I am grateful for your advise and will have IWC conduct a full service. Last but not least, thanks for your opinion with regard to the case - I have not decided yet.

The hands look good, the dial shows age, suppose they have both dial and hands in stock and the lume still works? It's still genuine parts and all that has happened is parts replaced with genuine parts, so what advise then?I would ask for a full movement service and correct crown and see what they say re dial and hands.Your decision re polishing the case though. But heed what has been said, after all you would replace tyres cam belt valves rubber hoses exhaust as and when required on a car from the 60s. The end look is your choice and people have shown pre and post spa treatment and the end result is a transformation to behold.One thing to note, in the early 1970s I bought two alarm clocks for my father, one for the bedside table and the other for when he travelled. After he died I found the leather folding travel clock unused, leather looking fresh and not a sign of leather dust and all in original box, again the box looking as fresh as when I brought it home, however the dial was showing damage where the indices had "smudged" the dial possibly a glue or metal to metal reaction causing it.

' The hands look good, the dial shows age, suppose they have both dial and hands in stock and the lume still works? '

....and suppose they don't have original dials in stock..half a dozen 2nd/3rd/4th Generation dialled 666's could be bought in the next fortnight without breaking sweat...the same cannot be said for Michaels lot.

Whilst some watch cases exit Schaffhausen spa looking sublime, other examples that perhaps never entered in such straight fettle..exit looking more presentable but alas with no metal added to the already 1/4 used bar of soap look.

Michael,For what it is worth, here are my two cents: You should have IWC do a movement overhaul, to bring the movement back to its original condition, which would include replacing the crown with the correct one. Instruct IWC NOT rpt NOT to replace the dial or hands, and NOT rpt NOT to polish the case. You may also request that IWC install an IWC strap and buckle, although originally the Ref 666 had a generic strap and buckle.

Note: When IWC overhauled my 1948 Mark 11 they insisted in replacing the hands, or they would not overhaul the movement. Something to do with not guaranteeing accuracy with the old hands. If this happens in your case, request the original hands be returned. You may re-install the original hands when and if you want. If IWC replaces the hands, I believe you will end up re-installing the original hands because the new hands over a 50 year old dial will just not look good.

You have a beautiful, rare, early Ref 666 in virtually original condition. IMHO it will lose value if you mess with it.It is up to you though.

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you find, you get what you need. Keith Richards, Mick Jagger.

My comment re dial and hands on your watch and my pointing to what happened to my fathers alarm clock even though unused is after many years things change without even being used.My option would be to see if they have an original dial and hands. Original being the key word. I agree re polishing but if the age of the dial is going to continue to get worse (how do they stop that) then it can loose it's appeal in my opinion. But that is my opinion and I bow to people who are far more knowledgeable re older watches. If they have them in stock today but will run out in three or five years time I say grab the replacement but request the originals be returned.Why dials of both yesterday and today are not made from inert material with inert coating I have no idea but they are not and frankly the watch industry is penny pinching for using a dial that can suffer from rust and oxidisation. You only have to see old enamel pocket watch dials and even some wrist watches which can fracture and are thicker but they do not go off like dials of today. Another bugbear is that even some PP dials the indices are a transfer. A bloomin' transfer for heavens sake. On a watch which costs at least £10000!One final note, having the dial refurbished is a no no.

The UK Greg Wrote: ...My option would be to see if they have an original dial and hands. Original being the key word...

Hi Greg in he UK,I know by my own experience that IWC no longer has NOS dials for the Ref 666A Ingenieur. IWC can have a new dial manufactured, but at high cost. IMHO this imho is a solution only when dials are damaged beyond the "point of no return", which is not the case, or to replace a dial that has been restored/repainted by a previous owner. It is possible to find (ostensibly) NOS, dials in the secondary market, but it will be a risky and potentially frustrating project.

BTW, and as an aside, the dial in the Ref 666A (no date) is made of brass and not of soft iron, as is the case of all Ref 666AD and Ref 866. The "Faraday cage" is completed by a soft iron plate between the movement and the dial.

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you find, you get what you need. Keith Richards, Mick Jagger.

I will have the movement overhauled and request that they do neither refurbish the dial nor replace the hands. Lastly, I will ask them not to polish the case. They indicated that it will take 18 weeks until the watch is returned (I just hope that that is a pessimistic prognosis). I will let you know what the result is.

I appreciated everyone's generous and thorough help on the subject - just amazing!